We believe bathing should be a therapeutic experience, not a scary one. Use this guide to ensure your bathroom offers the best in safety and comfort.

Accessibility

Install accessible shelving.

All of your toiletries should be within arm’s reach while you bathe to avoid awkward movement. Adding shelving
or a caddy to an accessible area of your bath will prevent unnecessary reaching. The ledge of some walk-in baths can also serve as extra shelving, keeping everything you need within reach.

In 2014,

28.7%

of adults 65 and older reported falling in their home.1

Falls

are the leading cause of injury in older Americans.2

Affix grab bars around the toilet.

A low toilet seat can be difficult to lower onto and stand up from, causing slips or accidents. Installing a toilet seat extender or grab bars is an inexpensive fix that provides security and stability.

Stability

Slip-proof your floors.

Ensure the surfaces surrounding your bath or shower are dry and have plenty of traction. A rubber-backed bath mat can help. Also ensure the base of your tub also has non-slip floors to make for a secure entry and exit.

More than

95%

of hip fractures are caused by falls.3

1⁄3

of Americans over 45

who make modifications to their home do so to stay in their home longer.4

Keep your bathroom well-lit day and night.

Install a nightlight in your bathroom so you can easily find your way at night. You can also replace your regular light switch with an illuminated one for additional light.

Bathing

Bathe at a safe water temperature.

Continuously test the water while your tub fills, as the temperature can fluctuate. To minimize the risk of scalding, adjust your water heater to deliver water at no hotter than 120 degrees.

Unplug your appliances after use.

Keep all electrical appliances away from water. Take care to turn off and unplug hair styling tools, radios and other appliances with an On/Off switch as soon as you are done using them. Having a separate sitting area to use these tools further prevents mistakes and accidents in the bathroom.

Avoid strenuous movement.

Stepping into the bathtub can pose serious risks of slipping and falling, as the average tub height is around 24" tall. With a walk-in bath, entering and exiting is safer and more secure, with an entry threshold as low as 3 inches.